SEBERANG Jaya assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin has resigned as the Penang Health, Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that Dr Afif had a meeting with him this morning before resigning as the state executive council (exco) member.
“He expressed his appreciation to me, the state machinery and the people for the trust in him all these years.
“I have tabled Dr Afif’s request in the state exco meeting today and the executive council accepted his resignation.
“His resignation is effective today (March 4),” Chow told a press conference at his office in Komtar today.
Chow said that copies of the resignation letter were sent to the State Secretary, State Legal Advisor and the state Financial Officer for further action.
“We will also inform the Penang Governor on the matter.
“We will be sending a letter to PKR to inform them of the vacancy. I believe that the political party will discuss and take the necessary action to nominate a new candidate for the state’s consideration.
“Dr Afif is still a Pakatan Harapan state assemblyman for Seberang Jaya. His resignation as the state exco member does not affect his position as the state assemblyman,” Chow said.
As for the status of two Bersatu state assemblymen – Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq (Bertam) and Zolkifly Md Lazim (Telok Bahang) – the state government would not be taking any action with regard to their position as the Pakatan Harapan state assemblymen at this moment.
Chow said that the State Legal Advisor was liaising with the Attorney General regarding the constitutional and legal provision of the Penang State Constitution.
“We will await the advice from the State Legal Advisor and the Attorney-General’s Chambers. It is still uncertain at the moment because of the status of Bersatu.
“The political party seems to have more than one faction. We will allow things to settle down before any decision is made,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Chan Kok Kuan